The letter was addressed to the Macon County Clerk after he wrote to Madigan's office regarding a court ruling in Cook County. Since this ruling, Cook County immediately began issuing marriage licenses, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Following the attorney general's letter, the Cook County court's ruling applies to the entire state.

A mere month ago, Illinois became the 16th state to allow gay marriage. With 2014 upon us, same-sex couples in Illinois are now waiting with baited breath for June 1, when the bill becomes effective and couples can at long last say "I do."

Here are three legal tips for soon-to-be gay married couples in Illinois:

Governor Pat Quinn has signed a historic measure, making Illinois the 16th state to allow gay marriage, the Chicago Tribune reports.

This new law now redefines marriage in Illinois from an act between a man and a woman to a union between two people. This bill won't take effect until June 1, 2014, when the first marriage ceremonies can take place. Civil unions could also be converted to marriages within a year of the law taking effect.

Here's a general overview of gay marriage in Illinois and the country:

Whether it's a new job or a medical injury, it's not uncommon for child support needs to change when a child's or parent's circumstances change. Fortunately, parents with new needs can make arrangements for child support modification. In general, the payment amount may be increased or decreased depending on certain circumstances.

What should you know about getting a legal separation in Illinois? First off, what is the difference between a legal separation and a divorce in the state? Because, while many components may appear the same, there are still some very crucial differences between the two.

A legal separation, for one, doesn't dissolve the marriage, whereas a divorce does. In other words, a couple who is legally separated can resume their marriage if they reconcile, while a divorced couple who decides they want to be together again would have to re-marry.

If a legal separation is the option you want to pursue, here are some things that you should know:

Illinois' House of Representatives failed to vote last week on the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act, which would have granted Illinois same-sex couples the right to marry, reports the Chicago Tribune.

While some Illinois lawmakers are vowing to raise the issue again later this year, same-sex and opposite-sex couples can still gain legal rights by entering into Illinois civil unions.

About The Chicago Family Law Blog

The Chicago Family Law Blog covers the sensitive practice of family law, which includes everything from marriage and adoption to divorce and child-custody disputes. Regularly updated with summaries of the latest Chicago-centric news and developments in family law, this blog is not intended to replace the advice of an Illinois family lawyer, but rather to help non-attorneys better understand the law and stay abreast of relevant local news. Have a comment or tip? Write to us.